A FRAGMENT 
  
MAN .................................. Hero  
MAID ................................. Heroine  
HER MOTHER 
COUNT B  
  
He. 
Draw nigh, sweet maiden, violets blush at birth, 
Pale lilies tinge with crimson, as the snow 
At dawn’s approach, the pansy’s darksome dye 
Deepens when tender winds blow over it  
And give its beauties to the summer’s gaze : 
So blush at being mine, yet gently come 
And place a dainty hand within my hold 
Too delicate to crush it into warmth, 
Save that blood mantling to thy cheek shall flow 
Back to the fingers, though I press them not. 
  
And so I will not hesitate to put 
A ring upon thy hand, sweet mystery 
Of Love’s device, to shadow in our hearts